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Good afternoon family, friends and staff, I would like to thank each and every one of you for coming out and celebrating this important day.
This year has been an awesome year. We have had some ups and downs, but we always managed to get back on track.
My journey at TCS began four years ago when my former sponsor, Ms. Sandy, made a wrong turn and read a sign that said “The Community School an academic and mentoring high school.”
I remember Ms. Sandy telling me that TCS was a private school. She had me thinking I was going to a fancy private school; turned out I was wrong.
When I first saw the school and met with Mr. Tom, I knew I wanted to attend TCS. I was so ready for a change in my life. You see in public school I was always a problem child. I chose to hang with the so called popular kids. Hanging with the popular kids only caused me to be in a lot of trouble. I was always fighting or being in a lot of drama. It seemed like my mother was up the school every single day.
I finally realized at the end it wasn’t hurting anyone but myself. When I graduated 8th grade I was happy, but when I actually thought about it I don’t know how they passed me. I didn’t think I was ready for high school, and let me tell you I wasn’t.
My first year at TCS was really hard for me. I didn’t know how to work a book. It was very hard for me to read a question and trying to go back in the book to find the answer. I was never taught how to go about find answer in a book.
I remember being embarrassed, not wanting to show my mother my progress report or my report card because of my low grades. Everyone was bringing home good grades and I was taking home 40’s, 45’s or even lower.
School became very stressful for me. I remember most of the days I would go home crying to my mother telling her how much I wanted to go back to public school. She would push me to do my best and never give up. She encouraged me all the way. She always said, “Daj’a it will pay off in the long run.”
I have to say, my mother was right. My four years at TCS were well needed. What I mean by that is TCS changed me in ways no other school could have. I feel like I’m ready for most of the challenges life could throw at me, and that’s the help of TCS, but mostly Mr. Tom.
See, Mr. Tom is like a father to all of us. If we ever need anything, he’ll be right there to help each and every one of us. Sometimes it may not be the help you wanted, but he’s still willing to help you. My relationship with Mr. Tom is like a father and daughter type relationship. I can have any conversation with Mr. Tom. Even though I get on his nerves a lot, he knows it’s nothing but love.
I want to say “thank you Mr. Tom for being there every step of the way.” You helped me build confidence in myself. You brought out a lot of things in me that I didn’t see in myself, so thank you and I love you.
Also, I would like to give a big thank you to Marry Louise Pries. This woman is like my second mother. She has been here since day one. She would do anything for me. If it’s paying tuition, taking me home, or attending sponsor meeting. Mary Louise plays such a major role in my life. You wouldn’t understand the long conversations she and I have had. She is such an amazing help to me.
Next, I would love to give a big thanks to both of my parents for being able to provide for me. Without you two I don’t know what I would do.
I would like to thank everyone who supported me through school – even down to the donors. Without you the school wouldn’t be able to run. We truly appreciate each and every one of you.
I also would like to give a big thanks to Ms. Peg, Ms. Leah and Ms. Carol for providing not only for me, but for the school. You all play a major role in our education.
I would like to thank Mr. Don for being a great writer and helping me to be a better one. And also for the great conversation we had. The school would not be the same without you.
Finally, I would like to thank Mr. Noah for being a great teacher and a mentor.
I truly appreciate you all.
Daj’a White
June 3, 2018
Hi everyone. It’s been a long, long, looooong time coming. You see, I started out my high school career in a Christian school called Greater Grace. Tiny school (Well its giant compared to this one, but it’s small by the standards of other schools) When circumstances changed, I had to leave that school and gave homeschooling a try.
During my time as a homeschool student, the work habits I had developed had seemed to basically disappear. I was not motivated at all to do the work, and just ended up sitting at home playing Xbox and eating Doritos. After the end of what was supposed to be my freshman year, I wasn’t going to move on to be a sophomore. Instead of sticking with what wasn’t working, my mom told me she heard of a school that would allow me to regain the year I lost.
I was told about the three-year program the school offered, and I was totally ready to get that year I lost back. Over the course of my years at the Community School, I’ve learned a lot, not just academically, but about myself as an individual. I’ve gained the confidence to do things I never thought I’d be able to do. I never thought I would travel anywhere outside the U.S., but now I’m gonna be traveling to Africa with my church. A thing I’ve only dreamed of.
Thank you Mr. Tom for everything you’ve done for me at the school. Thank you for being a good teacher and role model for me and the other kids in the school.
Shout out to my parents, my sister, and all of my friends, both inside the school and out, for believing in me and having my back.
Thank you to Mr. Don, our writing teacher, for being a great role model and for listening to my gym shenanigans whenever we’d meet on a Wednesday and for enjoying my sense of humor both in writing and in person.
Thank you every person that had a hand in my education, including the donors for the school, the teachers, the seminar leaders, and every guest we’ve had come in on a Friday or some other random day for enriching my life.
My advice for next year’s seniors, as well as the younger underclassmen is to keep your mind open to new methods and ideas and always be prepared to learn. And treat Mr. Tom and Mr. Noah well. You ain’t gonna find many teachers/mentors like them anywhere else.
I love you all and thank you.
Caleb Rohe
June 3, 2018
For me to talk about this day, I need to go back to 2014 – one of the toughest years for me. That was the first year in one of the most important transitions in my life. I was to be done with being a child and to start laying down the foundation for the rest of my life.
Through sheer luck, I made it into Baltimore City College, and I thought I would be good from there on. I was extremely, extremely wrong.
Firstly, I had a deep hatred for the place. I showed up two days late and was already out of the “loop” of making friends, and those who I did know from middle school acted as if I was a stranger.
I already had issues at home financially – threats of eviction, little food in the house, many other unforeseeable expenses, and I felt I didn’t need another stressor in my life. I dropped out. For almost a year, my only two good friends were Bud Light and my computer.
Then, after months of being pushed to go back to school, I found TCS, or more so, TCS found me.
Honestly, when I first started at TCS, I was awful. I could barely participate in class because I was so tired. I barely did any of my homework and, now that I think about it, I probably shouldn’t have lasted more than a month, but I was spared.
Mr. Thomas Culotta, a man I resented at the time for making me work so hard, saw something in me I didn’t see in myself, something I couldn’t see in myself, and he pushed me to be better.
Due to Mr. Tom pushing me, believing in me, it took a while, but I changed. Finally, I could believe in myself and my own capabilities, and for the first time in a long time, I could look forward in my life and actually see hope for the future. I could finally see myself as a better person.
With the help of Mr. Tom and Mr. Noah I have finally been able to see myself as a strong, hardworking, self-driven man, and I can’t thank you both enough for helping me achieve this great feat.
Seeing yourself for what you really are, for what you really are worth, is such an important feature of this school, which is why the school must remain here, and that its existence is ensured by those that come after us. My fellow classmates, it is important that throughout the next year you all must stay strong. Your strength, your determination, your drive is what makes this school exist so it can keep improving lives.
There are days that will be good, days that will be bad, days that you don’t want to get out of bed, but you must get up and you must keep fighting, because not only are you improving the future for yourself, but you’re also setting up the next class for success. Always remember that.
Every decision you make within the school impacts not only you and the current staff, but it also impacts every single person that walks through the school’s doors for years to come. Always, Always remember that.
Personally, I like to say that I do things myself, that I did something using me, myself, and I. Today is not one of those days, because I know without the help of many people, I’d be another directionless person.
For that, of course, I’d like to express a deep thank you to both Mr. Thomas Culotta and Mr. Noah Saganski for their dedication to not only me, but also to each and every one of my classmates. The guidance and council from both of you will surely stay with me for until the very last day of my life. You are both two truly amazing individuals and I thank you for the opportunity and great honor to work with you both.
Another great teacher and mentor for me over my time here at TCS would certainly have to be Mr. Don. Mr. Don, I cannot express enough that you and your guidance were instrumental in allowing me to reach my full potential as well. All those talks on Wednesdays and those few times I wrote to you in my writing kept me on track for my whole TCS career. There were some days, if it were not for me talking to you, I would’ve made the grave mistake of leaving. I deeply and truly appreciate and will never forget what you have done for me.
I’d like to express thanks to Ms. Peg, Ms. Carol, Ms. Leah for their constant council, support, and dedication over my years here at TCS.
I’d also like to thank the donors who have supported me and the school over these past years, of course without your financial support, none of us would be standing on this stage.
Finally, I’d like to express my deepest love and gratitude to my mother Jennifer Haynes, and my two mentors Margaret Hart and Tyler Block, because I would not be standing on this stage without your help. You three were the ones that pushed me, believed in me, saw something in me, that I could not see within myself. I am so lucky to have you three in my life. Again, thank you guys so much.
In closing, I’d like to say there have surely been good days, have surely been bad days, and there surely have been days where there was something in between, but I would not trade a second of my time here, because it has built me into the man I am today. A man that I can be proud of.
Thank you all for listening, and thank you all at TCS for the three wonderful years as a student, and for the deep relationships and connections I will have for many years to come.
Marcus McKeever
June 3, 2018
Wow, what a journey this has been!
Four years ago, when I came to The Community School, I never imagined how much it would change my life. Being a public school student up to that point, I never really enjoyed school; it always seemed to be a drag. By the time high school came around, I really only had one choice, Mervo.
It only took me three months to realize that I was going to either quit school or start hanging around the wrong crowd. My parents saw how unhappy I was, and neither of them could stand it. I mean we were about to pack our stuff up and leave the city. My mom started searching, and I mean searching, when she came across The Community School.
She told me that it was a small school, but I found out later during my interview just how small the school really was. We talked some more about the school and I had an interview with Mr. Tom. As Mr. Tom was talking about the school, I took a deep breath and just thought to myself, “This is for me.” I knew before the interview was even over that TCS was the next chapter in my life.
Within the first couple months I started exceeding my own expectations. I saw myself growing in ways I never imagined, I began to understand what was going on in the world and having conversations with family about current events. I developed better social skills, I even felt better about speaking in front of a crowd, thank God, right!
I would have never gotten here without my support system.
My parents: They have been there for everything and I mean everything.
They are the reason I am on this stage right now, I love you guys so much and honestly wouldn’t know what to do without you.
My grandparents: Not have you only been there since day one but your constant support of the school and the other students has been so generous, and I’m sure I can vouch for everyone when I say the lunches your brought in were amazing.
The Community School has meant so much to me, so much more than my words can express. Mr. Tom taught me the true meaning of education. I mean, I would wake up in the morning with a smile on my face because I was happy at TCS, it has felt like a second home.
It was the first time I felt safe at a school and where I could really be myself and didn’t have to pretend like I was someone I wasn’t. On top of that, Mr. Tom helped me, find me. Of course, I knew what I liked and didn’t like, but I didn’t fully see what I was capable of and Mr. Tom brought that out in me.
I mean do you remember that History Mr. Tom? Whew that was a doozy!
But I turned around and got threw it, not only because Mr. Tom told me what’s what, but because he believed in me one-hundred percent of the way. On top of that I never saw myself getting through that math book, but you, Mr. Tom believed in me and help me every step of the way. I’m so thankful to have someone like you in my life, I mean I never imagined this moment in a million years but you made it possible. You helped me believe in myself and strive for better. You, Mr. Tom, have prepared me for my next steps into the world. You have taught me the habits I need to lead a successful life.
Lastly, I just want to say to everyone that is continuing next year, make sure you make the most of every day at The Community School. You have been given a tremendous gift! Take full advantage of every opportunity.
Vernon Laumann IV
June 3, 2018
Good Afternoon everyone, I hope you are having a good time so far.
I was not a good student before I came to this school. My grades were horrible – I had D’s and C’s, and rarely were there A’s or B’s. Going to school was boring and a waste of time in my mind back then. I would fake being sick or pretend to get hurt so one of my family members would come and pick me up. My attendance was not the best and I rarely tried to do school work and homework.
I have come a long way since then. In this school, I have never missed a single day. That is a huge first for me. My grades have gone from D’s and C’s to B’s. When I first started this school, I had to go back to addition because of my earlier school experiences. Now, I have almost completed the Integrated Math book.
Every year that I have been here, I have said that this is the best year I have ever done academically. I’m pretty sure this is, in part, because I actually want to do the work. I love being in this school and I can’t imagine being anywhere else. My change, since I have been a student of this school, has been dramatically for the better.
The Community School is an academic and mentoring high school. The mentoring part of the school has impacted me as much as the academics have. Because of this school, I am a better person. I am not greedy or selfish. I have improved my life in many ways. At home and everywhere else I go, I am more helpful, mindful of others, and respectful. My relationship with my family members has also improved. I learned to get along with others, even if they’re not my favorite people.
My education has improved in multiple ways. There is more one-on-one time in this school than there is in most other schools. The individualized math system has enabled me to move at my own pace to learn everything that I need to know before moving on. The helpfulness of our teachers and other students allows for easy learning and studying, which in turn, can lead to great grades if you use it right. In normal public schools, these opportunities usually do not occur.
I have had a lot of good memories in this school. I’m going to share a memory from this year with you. Mr. Tom was able to get tickets for the musical/play Les Mis. This was in Washington D.C. I have never been to Washington D.C. before, so this was a big experience for me. I had a great time in D.C. and the play was amazing. It was so good that Jordan and I sing the music to it all the time.
Another memory is when Jordan and I stayed after school a little later on a Friday and we played “Just Dance” on the Main Classroom board. We’ve done this a couple of times this year. Last year we would use Jordan’s phone and do it out front on Friday mornings.
The younger classmen have been great this year. The Freshmen and the Sophomores are really nice and cool people. I’m glad to have people like you in the school. I’ve had a lot of sad, serious, and fun times with a lot of you, and I’m glad that I could be a part of that to help you out and to have you help me out as well. You all will turn out to be even better leaders and contributors than you are now.
I’ve had a lot of great times with each of the Seniors.
Marcus, I’m happy, privileged, and honored to have known a person like you. Every time that I needed you, for whatever it was, you were there for me. When I was upset about my grades in the first year, you talked to me and showed me some study tips that I still use today.
Caleb, I’m grateful to have known someone as funny and smart as you. When I was down you would make sure that you asked me if I was okay and if you could help. I had a lot of great and hilarious moments with you. You’re a great person and I hope you have an amazing life.
Daj’a, you’re like a big sister to me. Your determination is a big strength of yours. You watch over the students and help them when they need it. You are a great friend to be around because deep down, you know what’s important and you know how to handle yourself. It was cool to have met such a fun and caring person like you.
Vernon, you’re a great friend, cousin, and person. You’re always happy, or at least laughing. When your spirit is high you bring everyone around you up too. You’ve given me some great and funny tips for life. I hope all of you stay in touch so we can make our friendship last for years and years.
Thank you to my sponsors Ms.Leah, Blaine, and my mom for being there for me and boosting me up when I seemed to be falling down.
Thank you to my teachers Mr.Tom, Mr.Noah, Mr.Don, and many more for helping me learn new and useful life skills that will help me on my journey through life.
Thank you to the amazing people that made delicious lunches and helped us bring in supplied all year.
Thank you Ms.Peg for helping the school out as much as you do.
Thank you to the graduates for being awesome friends and pushing me to do my best.
Thank you to the lower classes for helping me feel like a leader and giving me confidence to be a big leader in the school next year.
Thank you to everyone that just stopped in to say hi or give us an encouraging message.
If I were to go on, we would be here until night time. Thank yous go out to everyone that has ever helped out the school in some way or another.
To wrap up I want to talk about my hopes for next year’s class. I will be a senior and a leader of the school. I won’t be the only leader because I will have all of the students here to help. We need everyone to step up next year and do their part to make it as good as we possibly can. We will lead the new students and each other to success and build each other to reach the top. Next year is going to be amazing, I can already tell.
I hope everyone has a great summer and I hope that the graduates achieve great things in the next step in their lives.
Donald Lacy
June 3, 2018